South Africa · WHALE WATCHING
Southern rights are in Walker Bay from about June to November, with humpbacks and Bryde’s whales along the same coast. These 15 boat trips leave from Hermanus, Gansbaai and Cape Town; below is what each costs, how long you are at sea, and the sailing policy when the swell is up.
Boat whale watching from Hermanus New Harbour, 90 minutes on the water. Expect close sightings, dolphins, seals, and great crew guidance.
“Amazing ! Ran on time the guide was informative . We saw soooooo many dolphins it was like something out of a dream . We also saw all three possible whale types. Looking at the other boats in the harbor -we felt this company had the nicest boats”
Hermanus whale and dolphin cruise with a specialist guide, light refreshments, and possible close encounters off the coast and Walker Bay.
“The best experience ever - could have not been any better! A must do - perfect!”
A slow, small-group marine wildlife cruise from Port Elizabeth to St. Croix Island for whales, dolphins, and African penguins in Algoa Bay.
“Fantastisk at se pingvinerne og opleve delfinerne som vi sejlede med i lang tid. Alle på båden var meget deltagende og bidrog med mange interessante fortællinger om både pingvinerne og delfinerne.”
Speedboat whale watching from Gansbaai to the Hermanus area, with commentary, small group size, and chances to see southern right whales and more.
“The day was incredible, it was sunny and a little cold! We saw a lot of whale, we were lucky! The driver was very good and kind. All was according to the schedule. If there is something I would have like was to return by the coast road.”
A 2-hour Plettenberg Bay whale watching cruise on a 400 hp speedboat, with a real chance at Southern Right and Humpback whales.
“We loved the whale watching trip. We saw whales and seals. The guides were friendly and keen to ensure we got the most out of the trip. We loved the launch and return of the boat from the beach!”
Whale watching from Gansbaai to the De Keldar cliffs for Southern right whales, plus dolphins, sharks, and penguins on a 2-hour cruise.
“We chose Ivanhoe as the boats are not too big, making it a more personal experience. We soon found the majestic Southern Right Whales, several Mums with Calf’s . They swam right along side the boat, so relaxed . Very emotional experience. The tour is only two hours long , we could all have stayed out longer . Try to choose a calm day, as spotting the whales is so much easier.”
Two-hour Knysna Heads whale cruise from Thesen Island. Spot humpbacks and southern right whales with a spotter-guided boat.
“Excellent, saw bottlenose Dolphins and a Bryde whale followed the boat for around 25 minutes so we got to seyit surface numerous times just metres away. My wife got seasick towards the end and a very attentive member of tge crew made sure she was ok until we disembarked. Highly recommend.”
2-hour Hermanus catamaran whale watching from the new harbour, with a whale specialist, light refreshments, and great viewing.
“Informative pre meeting, very good guide informed us during the whole tour. Good service. Even the captain took the time to chat”
Morning drive from Cape Town to Gansbaai, then a 2-hour whale-watching boat trip with expert guidance and scenic stops.
“I had a great time with Aretha. Saw lots of delphins and Southern Right whales. Couldn’t be any happier. Definitely one of the highlights of my adventure in South Africa.”
Coastal drive to Hermanus for shore whale watching, Rotary Way views, Hemel-en-Aarde wine tasting, plus an optional whale cruise.
“Entertaining and informative guide. Just the right amount of time in beautiful Hermanus.”
Full-day Hermanus whale watching from Cape Town with shore views, coastal stops, Sunday penguins, and midweek wine tastings.
“We had an incredible day with Qiyam, his insights into Cape Town’s history and diverse cultural influences made the journey truly special. The penguin colony and whale watching were unforgettable highlights, and we felt so lucky to witness multiple sightings of Southern Right and Bryde’s whales.”
Early Cape Town pickup for Hermanus whale watching and Stony Point penguins, with boat time, bottled water, and round-trip transport.
“One of the best trips I have taken in Cape Town, this is not 5 star since the operator after I arrived to Hermanus Harber asked me to pay extra money and claimed that the price I payed according to the website is outdated…! So this reduced tRead more”
Small-group whale watching from Yzerfontein with an expert-led hunt for humpback whales, plus breakfast snacks, picnic lunch, and a debrief.
“Amazing trip I'd highly recommend, especially photographers! Small groups of people which makes the trip so much nicer. Although we didn't get to see a super group, we saw a lone juvenile Humpback and then a mother with her calf. PleRead more”
9-hour Hermanus whale watching from Cape Town with coastal towns, gardens, cliff views, and an optional boat ride in season.
“The only reason this didn't get five stars from me is because I could only book the boat trip on the day, which relied on there being spaces. Since the whole reason for me booking this was to get on the boat trip, this was disappointing because at one point, it looked likRead more”
Private whale watching from Hermanus plus Hemel en Aarde and Spier wine stops, hotel pickup from Cape Town, with tastings extra.
“The tour was super we saw a lot of whales,the tour guide was perfect I recomanded to visit whales in October and November, is where you could see a lot of whales in water”
From the cableway to the Kruger gate, sorted by the kind of day you want.
